A Shorten Labor Government will create a new Burnie headspace to deliver greater early intervention mental health services for those aged 12 to 25 years.

Labor knows that the level of mental ill health amongst young people across the North West Coast is of persistent and increasing concern. Burnie was identified as one of 25 potential locations by the Department of Health for a new headspace service.

When a young person is struggling with their mental health and they are attempting to seek help, there is a small window to intervene and help them and their loved ones. At the moment, existing state government and private services are struggling to cope with demand. And for many young people, these services are not easily accessible.

The nearest headspace services are in Devonport however, these services are limited. The round trip to Launceston or Devonport can be onerous and can be a considerable burden for young people. Current state government and private services are stretched and further early intervention support is critical.

By creating a dedicated headspace centre in Burnie, Labor will help ensure that when

young people put their hand up, say they are not well and they need help, services are available and accessible.

headspace Burnie will also promote young peoples’ wellbeing across mental health, physical health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug services.

We need to take action on youth mental health simply because it is the right thing to do - for our young people, their families and the broader community. Labor acknowledges the crucial role of existing service providers. However, we know that more early intervention services are needed.

Our announcement builds on Labor’s strong history of supporting and expanding headspace, and Labor’s support for improving vital health services across the North West and West Coasts.

Labor will invest $4.5million in Tazreach - improving access to medical specialists across the community - and reverse Malcolm Turnbull’s cuts to the North West Regional Hospital.

Labor is prioritising the health services our communities need, and we can afford it because unlike Mr Turnbull and Mr Whiteley, we aren’t giving the big banks a $17 billion tax handout.

Only Bill Shorten and Justine Keay will stand up for young people on the North West and West Coasts.